Hotel & Catering Review

The 24Th AnnuAl hoTel & CATering review gold MedAl AwArds

The europe hotel & resort Crowned ireland’s hospitality Champion

GoldPure

Ireland’s Best

hotels, guesthouses, spas,restaurants, Clubs & Caterers

For Gold & Glory

Hotel & Catering Review’s Annual Gold Medal Awards have been recognising and rewarding excellence in Irish hospitality for close to a quarter of a century, honouring the businesses at the coalface of our tourism and catering industries who go above and beyond the call of duty each and every day to safeguard Ireland’s reputation as one of the world’s greatest hospitality nations.

Spanning a nine-month process from conception to completion each year, members of our Gold Medal Awards Jury travel thousands of kilometres across the land in search of the country’s best purveyors of hospitality. The Jury, comprising independent experts in hospitality with a proven track record in operations, spend months on the road carrying out undercover assessments of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafés and spas and, where we can’t sneak in under the radar, pre-arranged inspections of catering operations and member clubs.

The assessments are detailed and rigorous, ensuring that only the very best hospitality and catering operators emerge each year to be short-listed as finalists in the hotly contested Gold Medal Awards categories. Considering the high calibre of entries we receive each year, to be selected as a finalist is high praise indeed, but to go one step further and earn a Gold Medal Award is proof that these triumphant businesses are at the top of their game.

The winners of the 2012 Gold Medal Awards are no exception. The 17 elite category winners in the ‘Gold Medal Class of 2012’ have proved themselves as standard-bearers of great Irish hospitality and have been identified by the Gold Medal Awards Jury as leading ambassadors for the industry. Chief among them is Killarney’s über-stylish Europe Hotel, the five star resort which was crowned the ‘Best of the Very Best’ in the Gold Medal Awards in autumn 2012 when, after winning the highly competitive Five Star Hotel category, it was selected from the 17 category winners to receive hospitality’s highest accolade, the supreme Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Award for Excellence 2012.

The Europe and our 16 other worthy Gold Medal Award 2012 winners are profiled in the following pages.

Honouring Ireland’s leading Hospitality operators

Top: The team at The Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney celebrate winning the supreme Gold Medal Award for Excellence 2012.

Middle: Sarah Grennan, editor of Hotel & Catering Review and chair of the Gold Medal Awards Jury, presents the top award to The Europe team at the Gold Medal Awards in The Burlington Hotel, Dublin. From left: Nicole Barry, spa manager, ESPA at The Europe; Grace O’Brien, front office manager, The Europe Hotel & Resort; Marilyn Murphy; Michael Brennan, general manager; Sarah Grennan, Hotel & Catering Review; Sebastian Ernst, Brasserie Restaurant manager and Alex Nahke, head chef.

Above: Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor celebrates The Europe’s gold success with general manager Michael Brennan.

� HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS �01�

The Griffin Group’s multi-award winning Monart Destination Spa has garnered a glowing reputation both at home and abroad as a haven of tranquillity and justifiably so. Every aspect of this luxury hideaway in Enniscorthy has been carefully thought through to ensure maximum relaxation and care – from the harmonious surroundings to the quality spa products, comprehensive range of wellness classes and programmes and deliciously healthy cuisine.

But what really makes Monart stand out from the crowd is the exceptional staff who are devoted to caring for their guests. From the moment you pull up to the front gate your every need is anticipated and provided for. While the spa’s highly-skilled team of therapists soothe the body and soul, every member of the team throughout this five star property ensure that you remain relaxed throughout the duration of your stay. It is little

Monart destination Spa

Liam Griffin, managing director, Griffin Group; Lorna Murphy, duty manager; and Mark Browne, general manager, Monart Destination Spa, receive the Gold Medal Award for Best Spa from Paul Murphy of Fáilte Ireland (second from right).

wonder, therefore, that Monart Destination Spa has become such a hot destination, enjoying phenomenal levels of repeat business. Ireland’s leading spa is not just the country’s greatest wellness operator, it is also an ambassador for great Irish hospitality. 8

BEST SPA

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘Wellness is the name of the game in this jewel of Enniscorthy, where every

aspect of your stay is designed

to maximise relaxation, care for the body and soothe the soul. Great therapists,

excellent products, a well

thought-out treatment list,

smartly designed spa, luxurious

accommodation, top-class food,

and an extensive programme

of health and wellness classes and activities make Monart

the perfect destination to rest and revive the body and

mind.’THE BEST oF THE rEST

2012 FInalISTSh Angsana Spa at The Brehon, Killarney, Co Kerryh Escape Salon & Spa at The Imperial Hotel, Cork

h ESPA at The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney, Co Kerryh Oceo Spa at Seafield Golf & Spa Hotel, Gorey, Co Wexford

h SeaSpa at Kelly’s Resort Hotel, Rosslare, Co Wexfordh The Spa at Aghadoe Heights Resort, Killarney, Co Kerry

h The Island Spa at Inchydoney Island Lodge, Clonakilty, Co Cork

SPonSorEd By

HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS �01� �

FIRSTTIME

WINNER

BE IN TO WIN!Be one of the first 10 businesses to register on www.bwgfoodservice.iewith our promotional code GOLD MEDAL& win a Chef ’s Kitchen Goodie Bag!

Offer ends January 31st 2013

GET IN TOUCHNeil Lanigan Key Account ManagerT: + 353 (0)86 822 6566

www.bwgfoodservice.ie

WIN GOODIESWORTH €100AT BWGFOODSERVICE

QUALITYOWN BRAND

RANGE

Catering for your needsat BWG FoodserviceAs a dedicated foodservice business we provideeverything the caterer needs from chilled, frozen, ambient, alcohol and non-food products through our state of the art facilities in Dublin, Cork & Galway.

VISITOur

CommercialKitchen

BWGF

OODSERVICE

WE ’RE IR I

SH!

WOW!

OFFERS

REGISTERONLINEWINChef’s

Kitchen

Goodie Bag

BEST NEwCOMER

Masterchefs Hospitality’s bustling restaurant at the shiny new Pavilion at the University of Limerick has been a hit from the start, packing in diners into the stylish space since its launch in February. With a diverse clientele ranging from students and lecturers to corporate and local denizens, not to mention Munster Rugby stars who train on campus, The Pavilion is rapidly becoming Masterchefs busiest outlet – no mean feat in a portfolio which includes operations at Thomond Park and NUI Galway, plus the sibling chain of Café Noirs.

‘The Pavilion has been a huge success for us,’ acknowledges Masterchefs MD, Pat O’Sullivan. ‘The feedback has been incredible and as well as a huge amount of lunch and dinner business, we’re also catering for a growing number of events. The corporates like the feel of a university campus and it is also becoming a popular wedding venue.’

What has driven The Pavilion’s success? A

winning location has enabled Masterchefs to tap into a broad market, while the stylish environs have proved a hit with customers, but boss Pat O’Sullivan puts the success firmly down to the team. ‘Our greatest asset is our staff. Everyone comments on their friendliness and professionalism and they are very proud of what we have created at The Pavilion.’

Winning a Gold Medal Award after years of multiple nominations as finalists was ‘unbelievable’, says Pat. ‘We have been nominated several times so it was surreal to win finally. The staff were delirious and our customers were delighted for us also. It is remarkable the amount of people who acknowledged our achievement. Winning the Gold Medal Award was great for the team and great for the business. We’re having a great year.’ 8

Masterchefs Hospitality at The Pavilion, Ul

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘The Pavilion has enjoyed a roaring success since its

launch in February 2012,

impressing with its quality food operation, welcoming staff, great service and stylish facilities. When it comes

to catering, Masterchefs

has the winning formula.’

THE BEST oF THE rEST2012 FInalISTS

h Clodagh’s Kitchen at Arnotts, Dublin 1 h Red Cliff Lodge, Spanish Point, Co Clare

h The Restaurant at Kilkenny Design Centre, Kilkenny

SPonSorEd By


FIRSTTIME

WINNER

Joe O’Sullivan of BWG Food Service presents the Gold Medal Award for Best Newcomer, sponsored by BWG Food Service, to Masterchefs Hospitality managing director, Pat O’Sullivan.

BEST CAfÉ

It’s not easy to win a Gold Medal Award. To win one twice in a row highlights the special appeal of The Tea & Garden Rooms, the charming tearooms in the beautiful seaside village of Ballyvaughan, Co Clare.

The café, which gained nationwide coverage when a certain Mr Steven Spielberg flew into Ireland just to sample its famous homemade berry cheesecake, attracted the attention of the Gold Medal Awards Jury in 2011 also when judges selected the Tea & Garden Rooms for a prestigious Gold Medal Award.

Repeat visits in 2012 proved that the Tea & Garden Rooms is still unbeatable, wowing the Gold Medal Jury with its winning blend of heavenly cakes and ribstickling good homemade fare created with the best of local ingredients, great coffee and charming and hospitable service.

The Tea & Garden Rooms celebrated ‘Cake & Dessert Table’ has become the stuff of legend, and foodies from all over Ireland beat a hungry path to this jewel of a tearoom first opened by Katherine O’Donoghue 30 years ago and now run by her daughter Jane.

Continuous improvement is essential for success, says Jane. ‘In our efforts to continually enhance our establishment we have made improvements this year which include a new conservatory, refurbished dining room and a new menu… Our team of dedicated staff strive towards a high standard of customer service and satisfaction and we believe we deliver what we promise: the best quality, service and choice.’ 8

The Tea & Garden rooms


h Blas by Café Noir, Limerickh Brown’s Bar & Café by Carton House at Brown Thomas, Dublin 2

h Café Noir, Castletroy, Limerickh The Harvest Café at The Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath

h Mitchell’s Café at Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Co Galwayh The Silver Restaurant at Newbridge Silver Visitor Centre, Newbridge, Co Kildare

h White Tea Rooms, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

SPonSorEd By

Jane O’Donoghue collects the second successive Gold Medal Award for The Tea & Garden Rooms from Sean Martin, sales director, Bunzl McLaughlin.

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘The Tea & Garden rooms is a joy for any lover of great food, great

coffee and great hospitality. Jane

o’donoghue and the team

wow with their warm welcome,

great service, and mouth-

watering array of homemade dishes which

are crafted with the best of local

ingredients.’

� HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS �01�

A ‘casual, warm and lively dining experience in a Manhattan style setting’ is what’s promised at The Cornstore and the Cork restaurant doesn’t fail to deliver on its vow.

What you see is what you get at this trendy eatery on Cornmarket Street – great food and snazzy cocktails served by a friendly and skilled team of staff in a stylish restaurant with a buzzing atmosphere. It is little wonder that Cork denizens pack The Cornstore to the rafters and why Gold Medal judges return to Padraic Frawley’s hotspot time and time again.

A serial finalist, The Cornstore in Cork went one step further in 2012, muscling ahead of its competitors (including its sibling in Limerick) in this über-tough category to take the Gold Medal Award for Casual Dining, sponsored by Gleeson incorporating Gilbeys.

What did it feel like to finally stand on the golden stage after numerous nominations? ‘It was amazing. The staff are ecstatic,’ gushed Padraic. ‘It is

such an achievement to win a national award. We’ve been slogging away for five years and it’s fantastic to get this recognition. It’s been great for the profile of the business and it’s given the team a big gee up.’

While the restaurant game remains a tough business and the market in Cork continues to present challenges, Padraic reveals that The Cornstore has been fortunate to enjoy year-on-year growth since its launch in December 2007. How does it stay busy? ‘We have been relentless in coming up with initiatives and PR to attract business as well as ensuring that we keep the quality of the product high. The most important ingredient in a good restaurant is the quality of the food and the staff and we are lucky that we have a fantastic team who work hard to ensure customers have a great experience when they come to The Cornstore.’ 8

BEST CASuAl diNiNg RESTAuRANT

The Cornstore, Cork

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘Padraic Frawley’s busy restaurant

never fails to impress the Gold Medal

Awards Jury, offering a winning formula of great

food, great service and a buzzing atmosphere. It is not hard to see why Cork

denizens flock to this restaurant on a regular basis.

It gets our stamp of approval for its consistent excellence.’THE BEST oF THE rEST

2012 FInalISTSh Clodagh’s Kitchen at Arnotts, Dublin 1

h The Cornstore, Limerickh Ely Bar & Brasserie, Dublin 1

h Harrigan’s Bar & Restaurant, Newbridge, Co Kildareh Harte’s Bar & Grill, Kildare

h The Pins Bar Bistro at The Twelve Hotel, Barna, Co Galwayh The Old Imperial Hotel, Youghal, Co Cork

SPonSorEd By


Maud Condomine, Gleeson incorporating Gilbeys, presents the Gold Medal Award for Best Casual Dining Restaurant, sponsored by Gleeson incorporating Gilbeys, to Frawley Group managing director, Padraic Frawley and The Cornstore, Cork director, Mike Ryan.

FIRSTTIME

WINNER

Enjoy Cobra Sensibly.Visit

Cobra A4 smooth taste fa.indd 1 15/11/2011 15:35

l’arco Italian restaurant


h Chakra by Jaipur, Greystones, Co Wicklow

h Royal Spice Indian Restaurant, Kilkenny

h Spice Indian Restaurant, Wexford

The Gold Medal Award for Best Ethnic Restaurant, sponsored by Cobra Beer, was won by L’Arco Italian Restaurant. Manager David Quinn is presented with the award by Keith Fagan, sales director, Molson Coors, distributor of Cobra Beer.

Where do Gold Medal Awards jurors like to go on their Irish staycation? Right now it’s hard to resist the lure of beautiful Ballyvaughan which is shaping up to be one of Ireland’s hottest gastro-villages. With the multi-award winning Gregan’s Castle (Gold Medal Award finalist 2012 and 2011, supreme Gold Medal Award for Excellence winner in 2010) just up the road and not one, but two Gold Medal Award winners in 2012 – for Best Tearoom (see page six) and Best Ethnic Restaurant, this

BEST EThNiC RESTAuRANT

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘Proprietor George Quinn and manager david Quinn

are committed to providing an authentic Italian dining experience

in this winning restaurant.

l’arco Italian restaurant is

another feather in the cap of

Ballyvaughan which is rapidly becoming one of Ireland’s greatest gastro-villages.’

SPonSorEd By


FIRSTTIME

WINNER

sleepy Clare village has firmly marked its place on Ireland’s culinary map.L’Arco Italian Restaurant, owned by George Quinn and managed by son David, has been garnering rave reviews since it opened in 2009, earning a Gold Medal Award nomination as finalist in 2011, and hitting the jackpot this year when judges gave it the seal of approval for its quality Italian fare and great service. Italian chefs trained by the Italian School of Cooking in Dublin have created a range of mouthwatering authentic dishes crafted with the best of local ingredients, which are served by a friendly front-of-house staff.Delighted with the Gold Medal success, David Quinn puts L’Arco’s triumph down to the team’s unending quest for excellence. ‘We are consitently improving our product bit by bit. We always try to do better,’ he divulges. 8

Aldridge Lodge was presented with the Gold Medal Award for Best Bistro, sponsored by Champagne Pannier and Classic Drinks at the 24th Annual Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards. Proprietors Billy Whitty and Joanne Harding are presented with the award by Hugh Murray, sales director, Classic Drinks.

Aldridge Lodge is no stranger to the Gold Medal Awards, last striking gold in 2007 when onlyt a couple of years in operation it caught the Jury’s attention for its remarkable value offering.

Great value is still the hallmark of this busy restaurant run by chef Billy Whitty and his partner, Joanne Harding, who leads an accomplished front of house team. It is this remarkable value (e38.50 a la carte dinner, e28.50 for a six-course midweek tasting menu) which has helped Aldridge Lodge emerge from the worst of the recession unscathed. Still as busy as ever, the only change, notes Billy, is that following the crash the waiting list is a little shorter than it was at the height of the boom.

It’s not hard to see why local Duncannon diners and visiting foodies pack this cosy restaurant out on a nightly basis. The best of local ingredients, showcased with panache by Billy and his kitchen brigade, and served by a warm and friendly waiting staff, make this Wexford restaurant a ‘must-visit’ destination on any gourmand’s ‘To Do’ list. Aldridge Lodge showcases the best of Ireland – a genuine welcome from the front of house team and

great local and Irish produce, including crab and lobster fished by Billy’s father, free range pork from his sister, and veg grown on site.

Winning the Gold Medal Award for Best Bistro, sponsored by Champagne Pannier and Classic Drinks, in 2012 was ‘brilliant’, says Billy, although the multi-award winning Aldridge Lodge is no stranger to the winners’ enclosure. ‘It’s always nice to get awards and every year we’ve done well. We’re really punching above our weight. But with the awards brings added pressure – when you don’t win them that’s when people start to notice!’ 8

BEST BiSTRO

aldridge lodge

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘Billy Whitty and Joanne

Harding have created something

very special in aldridge lodge,

which should be marked on any food

lover’s map as a “must-visit” destination.

local produce is the star of the show, while the front of house team charm

all guests with their naturally warm welcome and polished

service. It is little wonder why

aldridge lodge is booked out so far in advance.

It excels at great food,

great service and great Irish

hospitality.’


h An Port Mór, Westport, Co Mayoh The Ballymore Inn, Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare

h The Brasserie Restaurant at The Europe Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerryh The Exchange Restaurant & Cocktail Bar at The Westin, Dublin 2

h Lord Kenmare’s, Killarney, Co Kerryh O’Grady’s on the Pier, Barna, Co Galway

h The Tavern Bar & Restaurant, Murrisk, Co Mayoh Verres en Vers at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin 8

SPonSorEd By

HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS �01� 11

Bunzl Mc Laughlin, 72 Cathedral Road, Co Armagh, N. Ireland, BT61 8AG.Bunzl Catering Supplies, 30 Loughgall Road, Co Armagh, N.Ireland, BT61 7NX.

CONTACT OUR SALES TEAMTEL (NI): 028 3751 1999

TEL (ROI): 048 3751 1999Email: [email protected]

www.bunzlmclaughlin.comVisit our catex stand E3 for further information on products and offers.

19th - 21st February 2013

restaurant Forty one

HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS 1�

You don’t have to be a member to enjoy Restaurant Forty One in Dublin’s swish Residence Members Club, but a meal in this stylish restaurant overlooking St Stephen’s Green might encourage you to join.

Executive chef, Graham Neville, and the Restaurant Forty One team have been quietly building a sterling operation in this exclusive Georgian townhouse, garnering a glowing reputation for sophisticated food and polished service.

The 50-plus staff at the private club pride themselves on providing five star service to all patrons, and justifiably so – our Gold Medal judges gave them top marks across the board, wowed by Restaurant Forty One’s innovative cuisine which is created by an accomplished kitchen brigade and served by skilled waiting staff.

Food is sourced locally where possible, including salads, herbs and vegetables which are grown with love in Residence’s private garden and transported from patch to plate in less than two hours. A slick combination of great Irish ingredients, expertly

BEST fiNE diNiNg RESTAuRANT

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘restaurant Forty one has it all – innovative and deliciously

memorable food created

with the best of Irish ingredients

by one of the country’s best chefs, Graham neville, and his trusty kitchen

brigade; flawless service from a knowledgeable and welcoming front-of-house

team; a buzzing ambience in this popular private

members’ club; chic and

luxuriously comfortable

surroundings; and a location

in the best address in the city – dublin’s St Stephen’s

Green.’

SPonSorEd By

HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS �01� 1�

FIRSTTIME

WINNER

Sean Martin, sales director, Bunzl McLaughlin (second from left) presents the Gold Medal Award for Best Fine Dining Restaurant, sponsored by Churchill in association with Bunzl McLaughlin to Eli Dalva, Arvine Goorwappa and Peter Everett of Residence.


h La Bohème Restaurant, Waterfordh La Fougère Restaurant at Knockranny House Hotel, Westport, Co Mayo

h The Dining Room at Gregan’s Castle, Ballyvaughan, Co Clareh The House Restaurant at The Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co Waterford

h The Lake Room Restaurant at Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney, Co Kerryh The Munster Room Restaurant at Waterford Castle, Waterford

h The Strawberry Tree at BrookLodge Hotel & Macreddin Village, Aughrim, Co Wicklow

prepared and served by a knowledgeable team in a luxurious and elegant environment makes Restaurant Forty One a worthy Gold Medal winner.

‘We’ve proven that members’ clubs needn’t be stuffy, that excellence can be achieved with flair and aplomb,’ claims the Residence crew, and we wholeheartedly agree. 8

“Maybe it’s eccentric knowing vines individually…but that’s what I do.”

Sebastián Warnier Head of Viticulture, Santa Rita, Chile.

Sebastián Warnier is so highly regarded as an innovator in the world of viticulture, his expertise is sought after all over the world. After twenty years spent cultivating the vineyards at Santa Rita and developing many pioneering techniques, Sebastián’s knowledge of Chilean vineyards is unrivalled.

While knowing each individual vine may seem a little unusual, we never fault our people for their passion, because at Santa Rita we believe that passion is essential to create great wines.

If you share that passion for wine, you could meet the Santa Rita wine makers and learn fi rst-hand about their craft, in an exclusive gathering at Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel. See Facebook for details.

Our passion is wineOur passion is wine

facebook.com/santaritaireland

153431 Santa Rita Licensing World A4 (SEB).indd 1 12/10/2012 11:14

Any house built by the Bartons is going to have great wine credentials, add in an owner with a passion for great Bordeaux, and a cellar which would make even the most impassive of wine aficionados weep with envy, and you already have a winning wine combination at The K Club.

But there’s more to a great wine experience than a great list and with sommelier and wine consultant Lisa O’Doherty at the helm, aided by an able team of well-trained wine lovers front of house, Kildare’s landmark K Club bears the hallmark of a truly great purveyor of wine.

Lisa acknowledges that she has been fortunate to inherit an exceptional cellar with some of the oldest wines on offer in Ireland, but the commercial reality of a post-Celtic Tiger Ireland means that ‘you’re not selling Petrus seven days a week’ (although she did recently sell two bottles for e7,500). ‘We are very lucky with the collection of fine wines we have in the cellar, but where I have been able to put my mark is more at the commercial level – from the house wines up to the wines in the e60 to e70 region.’

‘What I love most about the Gold Medal Award

is that it’s not just about the wine list,’ she adds. ‘It’s about the entire wine experience and that’s something we work hard at in The K Club, from the cellar tours that we run for guests to our commitment to decant every bottle of red wine we serve, no matter how young it is or how much it costs. All red wine tastes better when it gets some air and it adds to the theatre of service and provides opportunities to engage with the guests more.’

Service is one of the vital ingredients in the wine business, acknowledges Lisa. ‘We do a lot of training with the staff. The service of wine is so important and you need to make sure your team are confident in their abilities. It makes a huge difference to your offering.’ 8


Gold Medal Award for Best Wine Experience, sponsored by Gleeson incorporating Gilbeys, at the 24th Annual Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards on Tuesday, 25th September. Pictured receiving the Award from Maud Condomine, Gleeson incorporating Gilbeys (centre), are Audrey Brophy, hotel operational manager and John Ryan, manager of the Vintage Crop Bar at The K Club.

wiNE EXPERiENCE

The K Club

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘Sommelier lisa o’doherty and the team at The K Club are passionate

and deeply knowledgeable about wine and this is evident throughout

their operation. From a perfectly

formed wine list, to slick wine

service and a cellar to make

wine lovers swoon, The K Club offers the

ultimate wine package.’THE BEST oF THE rEST

2012 FInalISTSh Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney, Co Kerry

h The Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co Waterfordh Ely Bar & Brasserie, Dublin 1h Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork

h Residence Members Club, Dublin 2h The Twelve Hotel, Barna, Co Galway

SPonSorEd By


When only the freshestwill do...

www.keelings.com

With over 60 years experience we understand

your need for quality service and flexible delivery.

It’s our knowledge that allows us to bring you the

best local and sourced produce, both fresh

and prepared.Keelings Farm Fresh your catering supply partners

Bruce Bentley Grower Manager, Keelings

Dublin +353 (0)1 8135600 Cork +353 (0)21 4968088

Wexford +353 (0)53 9147447 Belfast +44 2890324236

FARM FRESH

A diverse clientele calls for a diverse offering and the 1200 staff at Oracle’s site in Dublin’s East Point Business Park ensures that variety is the spice of life for the ARAMARK team who run two restaurants and a barista-style café in this busy workplace.

Serving breakfast, lunch and café service thoroughout the day, the focus is firmly on the best of fresh food created with locally sourced produce, with wide range of influences, from Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine to health and nutrition impacting on menus.

But while the quality of the food is vitally important, it is only one part of the offering for ARAMARK, says the group’s VP for foodservices, Grainne Kelliher, who underlines the importance of great service. ‘We’re very passionate about our frontline staff and we’ve invested in them – they’re our business. We’ve rolled out an engagement programme to drive engagement with our team so they in turn can engage positively with their customers. Research shows that workers only get 20-30 minutes downtime during the day and so this time is sacred. It is our mission to make it the best it can possibly be.’

The ARAMARK brigade at Oracle, who last won a Gold Medal Award in 2002, are delighted to have grabbed gold a decade on. ‘The team are very proud

of their work at Oracle and they run a very good operation. To win this award means a lot to them,’ says Grainne. 8

The ARAMARK Ireland catering team at Oracle in East Point Business Park won the Gold Medal Award for Best In House Catering, sponsored by Keelings. Keelings Farm Fresh managing director, Colm Bury, is pictured (centre) presenting the award to ARAMARK’s Caroline Lloyd, Daragh Feighery, Noeleen Fox, Grainne Kelliher and Donal O’Brien.

BEST iN hOuSE CATERiNg

araMarK Ireland at oracle

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘The araMarK team are

committed to excellence,

driving standards across

the three sites for their client

where they serve close to

1200 customers daily. The team have designed an expansive

offering to serve the

changing tastes of the varied workforce.’


h BaxterStorey at Paddy Power, Clonskeagh, Dublin 24h BaxterStorey at RTE, Dublin 4

h Seasons (ARAMARK Ireland) at Guinness Storehouse, Dublin 8h Sodexo Ireland at Amgen, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

h Sodexo Ireland at Coca-Cola, Drogheda, Co Louthh Sodexo Ireland at Dell, Cherrywood, Dublin 18

SPonSorEd By


Innovation is the name of the game at Haven Bay Care Centre, the retirement village and nursing home in Cork’s gastrohub of Kinsale.

As well as catering for the residents of the 75-bed nursing home and 44 apartments in the retirement village, the busy catering department at Haven Bay also provides Meals on Wheels in the community and has recently opened a new state-of-the-art production facility making a range of meals specifically created for older palates. The modified consistency meals suitable for hospitals and nursing homes are sold in bulk, while Haven Bay has also begun selling individual portions of the meals in the local Tesco and Spar stores.

Catering for the varied dietary requirements of the various customers can be a challenging task for any healthcare caterer, but the team at Haven Bay personalise the dining experience for each resident, tailoring menus to suit their palates and encouraging them to try new dishes and flavours as much as possible. ‘We try to get our residents to sample various dishes but we are often catering to a traditional palate so it can be challenging trying to

sell it to them,’ concedes Emanuele Ferri, head of catering. ‘We have quite an international staff here at Haven Bay so we have run themed days, serving the native cuisine of staff from different countries and that helps. We’ve also introduced new products such as our own dips and crackers for residents who are underweight – but it can be a challenge to encourage older diners to try things like hummus!’

Their efforts are paying off, however, and the feedback from residents and their families following the win has been fantastic, says Emanuele. ‘We threw a big party to celebrate and the residents are very proud. They are very happy for us and all the staff are delighted with the win.’ 8

Haven Bay Care Centre


Haven Bay Care Centre collected the Gold Medal Award for Best Institutional Catering, sponsored by IFSA – the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance, at the 24th Annual Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards. Head chef, Emanuele Ferri receives the award from IFSA executive director, Garret Buckley.

BEST iNSTiTuTiONAl CATERiNg

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘Innovation key at this leading nursing home and retirement

village in Kinsale. The team’s

relentless quest for excellence has inspired

them to create a

first-class catering service for Haven Bay

residents.’


h ARAMARK Ireland at the University of Limerickh The Central Production Unit at Midlands Regional Hospital,

Mullingar, Co Westmeathh Cluain Lir Care Centre, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

h GMIT Catering Company, Galwayh Masterchefs Hospitality at Moffetts Restaurant, NUIG, Galway

SPonSorEd By


TECH.indd 1 13/12/2012 14:53:04

It was a back-to-back win for Carton House at the Gold Medal Awards 2012 when it scooped the Best Member Club title for a second successive year.

What makes Carton House so unbeatable? The team’s continuous quest to innovate and improve the standards and service in this dual-coursed club makes it a force to be reckoned with, believes the Gold Medal Awards Jury.

The club, which will host the Irish Open in 2013, is not one to rest on its laurels, introducing a raft of improvements since it took the inaugural Gold Medal Award for Member Clubs in 2011. Over the last year it has invested in a new GPS system for all golf carts; upgraded its smartphone app with course information and booking facilities; introduced calories to menus in the clubhouse; enlisted the support of a new resident golf pro, Shane Lowry; filmed and uploaded a range of golf tips to YouTube; and Carton is currently in the process of moving the first and 18th hole on the O’Meara course to the approach of the house, a significant investment that will ensure the Palladian mansion will be the star of the show when golfers hit the home stretch in the Open next June.

‘We have a great culture of continuous improvement at Carton House,’ acknowledges the resort’s general manager, David Webster. ‘We’ve invested significantly in our operation over the last

year but that has stood to us. We are committed to raising standards for our members.’

To win the Gold Medal Award twice in a row was a great achievement, he acknowledges. ‘We were over the moon with it. To win it once is fantastic, twice is amazing. We hold the Gold Medal Awards in the highest regard as we believe they are the top industry awards. It really means a lot to us to win for a second year.’ 8

HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS �1

Carton House Resort general manager, David Webster, is presented with the Gold Medal Award for Best Member Club, sponsored by Tech Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, by Barry Hennessy, group account manager, Tech Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.

BEST MEMBER CluB

Carton House Golf Club

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘Carton House keeps ahead of the curve, consistently

reinvesting in the product to keep it fresh for members. a comfortable

and stylish club house, great team of staff, and of course,

two of the best parkland courses in the country, make

Carton House a winner

all round.’


h Fota Island Golf Club, Corkh Residence Members Club, Dublin 2

SPonSorEd By

HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS �01� �1

HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS �01� ��

The Gold Medal Awards’ Customer Experience category, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, sums up what Irish tourism is most about – a warm welcome and genuinely hospitable customer care that has become our USP internationally.

While it’s true to say that every Gold Medal Award nominee and winner must offer prodigiously good service as a base requirement, our finalists in this important category go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure their guests and customers enjoy a truly memorable experience during their visits. With so many great tourism ambassadors operating in the industry, this is the category which can be the most challenging to judge each year and 2012 was no exception, proving exceptionally competitive as our finalists went that extra mile to care for their guests.

BrookLodge Hotel & Macreddin Village emerged triumphant from the category as it wowed judges in every facet of its operation. While a haven for gourmands with a solid gold reputation for great wild and organic Irish food, you don’t have to be a foodie to enjoy what Macreddin has to offer. The Doyle brothers’ resort offers something for everyone – from the Wells Spa and Macreddin Golf to walking tours, orienteering challenges, horse riding and plenty of other activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Foodies flock to the Wicklow hideaway for the renowned Strawberry Tree, Ireland’s only certified organic restaurant, but guests can also choose from a wide array of F&B outlets, including La Taverna Armento Italian eatery, The Orchard Café, Acton’s Pub and The Waterside Lounge. But while the facilities are extensive and the activities on offer numerous, it is not the surroundings in this lush resort in Ireland’s Garden County which impressed Gold Medal judges so much, it was the devoted team of staff whose unrivalled customer care form the bedrock of the business. In terms of great hospitality experiences, BrookLodge Hotel & Macreddin

Village is hard to beat – it showcases the best of Ireland, from our wonderful bounty of food and stunning landscapes, to our friendly people who are dedicated to caring for visitors.

‘We treat every guest that comes through our front door as if they are our only guest,’ says Evan Doyle, and that’s clear to see. 8

BrookLodge’s Valerie O’Toole, Evan Doyle and Joe Kelly are presented with the Gold Medal Award for Best Customer Experience, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, by Paul Murphy, Fáilte Ireland (right).

BEST CuSTOMER EXPERiENCE

Brooklodge Hotel & Macreddin Village

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘Brooklodge Hotel &

Macreddin Village is a foodie’s paradise, offering a delightful

array of free range, organic and wild food

options to tantilise any lover of good

food. But while Brooklodge is justifiably

renowned for its culinary talents,

the team’s dedication

to providing unrivalled customer

service must be commended also. The staff go above and beyond the

call of duty to ensure every guest’s stay is extra special.’


h Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin, Co Laoish Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Connemara, Co Galway

h Ballyseede Castle, Tralee, Co Kerryh Culloden Estate & Spa, Belfast, Co Antrim

h Druids Brasserie at Druids Glen Resort, Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow

h Harvey’s Point, Lough Eske, Co Donegalh Killeen House Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerry

SPonSorEd By

FIRSTTIME

WINNER

Lough Inagh Lodge won the Gold Medal Award for Best Country House, sponsored by Aon, for a second successive year in 2012. Maire O’Connor and Dominic O’Morain are presented with the award by Declan Greene of Hotel & Catering Review (centre).

For a display in Irish hospitality at its very best you don’t have to look much farther than Lough Inagh Lodge, the gem of a hideaway in Connemara which scooped the hotly-contested Gold Medal Award for Country Houses for the second successive year in 2012.

Proprietor Maire O’Connor and general manager, Dominic O’Morain, lead a team which are dedicated to providing the very best care to all guests and their naturally warm and welcoming service marks them as true ambassadors for Irish tourism.

Winning the coveted Country House award, sponsored by Champagne Pannier and Classic Drinks, for a second year in a row was ‘a shock’ admits Dominic. ‘It was phenomenal – we couldn’t understand it. We really weren’t expecting it. We don’t do anything differently at Lough Inagh. We just try to do what we do to the best of our ability. We’re very lucky with the environment that we’re in and most importantly we’re very lucky with the team that we have, many of them have been with us for a long time and they understand what we are trying to do here. Great customer service is at the heart of the business here in Lough Inagh and we want to make sure that every guest feels truly taken care of when they stay with us.’

BEST COuNTRY hOuSE

lough Inagh lodge


h Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Connemara, Co Galwayh Ballyseede Castle, Tralee, Co Kerry

h The Castle at Castle Leslie, Glaslough, Co Monaghanh Dunbrody Country House, Arthurstown, Co Wexford

h Mount Falcon Country House Hotel, Ballina, Co Mayoh Moy House, Lahinch, Co Clare

h Rathsallagh House & Golf Club, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow

SPonSorEd By

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘our Gold Medal Jury

can’t help but fall in love

with lough Inagh lodge

each time they visit. This

cosy country house offers

an idyllic base to escape

from the rat race, with

a charming team led by owner Maire

o’Connor and general manager, dominic

o’Morain, who impress

with their naturally

warm and friendly

hospitality.’

�4 HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS �01�

HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS ��

BEST COuNTRY hOuSE

lough Inagh lodge

SPonSorEd By


It’s been a defining year for Ariel House, the elegant townhouse on Dublin’s leafy Lansdowne Road, which has enjoyed its best year in business in 2012 and followed up with a swathe of awards, not least of which is the inaugural Gold Medal Award for Best Townhouse.

Celebrating 10 years under the current ownership of the McKeown family, this elegant guesthouse has recorded a strong growth in occupancy and rate in 2012, supported by the numerous events in the capital this year, plus its loyal base of repeat guests.

Spend one night at Ariel House and you’ll soon understand why it is doing so well. A little oasis in the heart of Dublin 4, it excels in every aspect of its operation, from its sumptuous breakfast and delightful afternoon tea (complimentary for guests) to its comfy beds and effortlessly stylish décor.

The owners’ commitment to the business is what has kept Ariel House on top, explains general manager, Deirdre McDonald. ‘They have invested a lot of time and effort in the business and it has paid off. When things got tough we didn’t get involved in the race to the bottom on rates, instead we raised standards further through staff training and initiatives such as our complimentary afternoon tea with freshly baked treats from the kitchen.’

Winning the Gold Medal Award is a big deal for the team who are delighted with the achievement, says Deirdre. ‘They are very proud of Ariel House and they work so hard to look after our guests that it is great for them to get this recognition from their

peers. That’s what I really like about the Gold Medal Awards – they are judged by independent experts from the industry and it is such an honour to have people with such experience to rate your business.’ 8

Deirdre McDonald, Ariel House general manager, is presented with the Gold Medal Award for Best Townhouse, sponsored by Aon, by Declan Greene of Hotel & Catering Review.

BEST TOwNhOuSE

ariel House

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘ariel House never fails to impress. This elegant guesthouseoffers guests a calm oasis in the heart of dublin 4. Stylish décor, cosy beds, a truly great breakfast, and some thoughtful touches like

lovely freshly baked treats,

add to the charm of

this homely townhouse, while the

team, ably led by general

manager deirdre

Mcdonald, really make ariel House

special.’


h Castlewood House, Dingle, Co Kerryh Pembroke Townhouse, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

h No.1 Pery Square, Limerick

SPonSorEd By

TI-2012 idea.indd 1 13/12/2012 14:27:29

The Moyletts of Ballina represent the best tradition of Irish hotelkeeping, running the three star Downhill House Hotel in the bustling Mayo town for three generations.

Evolving from the five-bedroom guesthouse opened by Frances and Michael Moylett in 1936 to the 60-room hotel with leisure centre today, the hotel has remained at the centre of Ballina society, building up a loyal clientele who flock to this family-run business to celebrate their own family events, from births, deaths and marriages to everything in between. It is little wonder that Downhill House Hotel’s motto is ‘Let our family look after yours’.

While locals have remained loyal, so too have visitors and the hotel enjoys an enviable repeat business rate of over 70%. Why do guests keep coming back for more? The great service provided by the hotel’s equally steadfast staff which forms the bedrock of Downhill House’s hospitality offering.

Nominated as a Gold Medal Awards finalist in 2010, the hotel at the heart of Mayo’s salmon capital went one step further in 2012 when it beat off stiff competition from leading three star hotels across Ireland to take golden honours, impressing judges with its great Irish hospitality.’ More than three-quarters of a century after its launch, Downhill House Hotel continues to go from strength to strength. 8

The Gold Medal Award for Best Three Star Hotel, sponsored by Tourism Ireland, was scooped by Downhill House Hotel. Rachael, Ann and Karen Moylett are presented with the award by Sinead Grace, Tourism Ireland (second from right).

ThREE STAR hOTElS

downhill House Hotel

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘This family-run hotel is

one of the stars of the Irish

hotel industry. operated by

three generations of the Moylett

family, the hotel is a standard-

bearer for great Irish hospitality,

providing a warm and welcoming

service to locals and visitors to

Ballina.’


h Killeen House Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerryh Quality Hotel & Leisure Club, Clonakilty, Co Cork

h The Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe, Co Clareh The Old Imperial Hotel, Youghal, Co Cork

h Temple Bar Hotel, Dublin 2

SPonSorEd By


FIRSTTIME

WINNER

wWw

€

One of the last great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family, Castle Leslie is celebrating 20 years in the hospitality business, growing from the charming tearooms opened by current custodian, Sammy Leslie, two decades ago to one of Ireland’s finest purveyors of hospitality today.

Afternoon tea is still a popular ritual in the Leslie enclave, but the Monaghan estate has spread its hospitality wings over the years – expanding to include elegant country house accommodation in the historic castle and a chic four star hotel located in the converted Lodge.

Both the Castle and the Lodge on the 1000 acre estate were nominated as finalists in the 24th Annual Gold Medal Awards, blowing judges away with their exceptional hospitality. The Lodge proved it had the Midas Touch once again in 2012, following its Customer Experience win the previous year with a second gold for Best Four Star Hotel, sponsored by Digiweb.

With Snaffles fine dining restaurant and Conor’s Bar, the 29-room Lodge is the social hub of the estate, popular with Glaslough locals and visiting guests. An able team, led by general manager, Brian Baldwin, are great ambassadors for Irish hospitality, wowing with their naturally warm and friendly service, keen attention to detail and total devotion to top-notch customer care. 8

TOp: The Lodge at Castle Leslie collected the Gold Medal Award for Best Four Star Hotel, sponsored by Digiweb, at the 24th Annual Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards. General manager Brian Baldwin is presented with the award by Damien McCann, hospitality solutions specialist, Digiweb.

BEST fOuR STAR hOTEl

The lodge at Castle leslie Estate

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘It is not easy to win a Gold Medal Award,

and many hospitality

operators enter for years with no success, but the team at The

lodge have achieved gold status for two years running because they excel in all

areas of their operation.

The staff are champions of

Irish hospitality.’THE BEST oF THE rEST

2012 FInalISTSh BrookLodge Hotel & Macreddin Village, Aughrim, Co Wicklow

h The Brehon, Killarney, Co Kerryh Carton House, Maynooth, Co Kildareh Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin 8

h The River Lee Hotel, Corkh Waterford Castle Hotel, Waterford

h Wineport Lodge, Glasson, Co Westmeath

SPonSorEd By


FIRSTTIME

WINNER

FINEST French

PEDIGREE know-how; flawless Irish

www.hennessy.ie

152507 Hennessy Hotel & Cater (PED).indd 1 10/10/2012 15:48

Nominated as a finalist three times in the 2012 Gold Medal Awards (Five Star Hotels, Spas, Bistros & Brasseries), Killarney’s super-stylish Europe Hotel & Resort blew judges away with its consistent excellence evident in all aspects of its operation.

Nestled on the banks of Lough Lein and enjoying breathtaking views of the Lakes of Killarney, The Europe has benefited in recent years from a multimillion euro makeover courtesy of owners the Leibherr Group which has transformed it into one of Ireland’s most beautiful and comfortable hotels. But it is not the view or the décor, or even the exceptional facilities, which makes the resort so special, it is the dedicated staff who are committed to delivering unrivalled customer care for all guests.

It is this winning brand of hospitality which helped The Europe triumph in the exceptionally competitive Five Star Hotels category, sponsored by Edward Dillon & Co, and which ultimately led it to take home hospitality’s highest accolade, the supreme Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Award for Excellence 2012 – a title bestowed on the ‘Best of the Best’, the greatest of the 17 Gold Medal category winners.

To win, first in the Five Star category, and then take home the top award of 2012, was ‘fantastic’, explains general manager, Michael Brennan. ‘The Gold Medal Awards are so prestigious – we were so

thrilled to win both awards.’Michael puts The Europe’s success down to two

factors – the generous support from the owners, the Liebherr Group, who are committed to investing in the hotel, and the loyal team who work in the hotel who, between them, have built up hundreds of years of service. ‘Money is important and it does help, but the most important element in a great hotel is the people. The bottom line is that we like what we do. We love looking after our guests and we get a buzz out of ensuring they enjoy their stay.’ u

The Europe Hotel & Resort triumphed at the 24th Annual Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards when it won the Gold Medal Award for Best Five Star Hotel, sponsored by Edward Dillon & Co. Michael Brennan is presented with the award by Kevin Behan, Edward Dillon & Co. It was a night of golden honours for The Europe, which went on to win the top award of the night, the Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Award for Excellence 2012.

BEST fiVE STAR hOTEl

The Europe Hotel & resort

ThE JudgES’ ViEw:

‘The Europe isn’t just the best hotel in Ireland. In

our opinion it is one of the best hotels in

Europe, wowing with its sleek surroundings, breathtaking views, top-

notch facilities and warm and caring staff.’


h Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney, Co Kerryh Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin, Co Laois

h Culloden Estate & Spa, Belfast, Co Antrimh Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate, Newmarket on Fergus, Co Clare

h Hayfield Manor Hotel, Corkh The K Club, Straffan, Co Kildare

h The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow

SPonSorEd By

HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW • GOLD MEDAL AWARDS �01� �1

Next year we will celebrate the silver anniversary of Ireland’s leading independent hospitality awards

programme when we launch the 25th Annual Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards.

For entry details and Gold Medal Awards’ news stay tuned to us on Twitter and Facebook, sign up for Gold Medal Awards’

reminders at hotelandcateringreview.ie and read Hotel & Catering Review magazine for tips for getting ahead in

Ireland’s premier hospitality programme.

Gold Medal Awards 2013Launch: Spring

Judging: SummerAwards: Autumn

JOiN uS whEN

gOld TuRNS SilVER

Stay TunedHotelandCateringReview

@HC_Reviewhotelandcateringreview.ie

Call 01 214 7920 to SubscribeSign up to Hotel & Catering Review’s News Bulletin

and Gold Medal Awards reminders at hotelandcateringreview.ie*

8

(

25th Annual

GOLD MEDAL AWARDS 2013

Hotel & Catering Review

Documents

Transcript of Hotel & Catering Review